The family of a decorated Second World War RAF pilot have issued a heart-felt plea after his precious medals were stolen while on loan at a Long Eaton secondary school.

The medals belonged to war hero Squadron Leader Gerald de Lucie Carver, who was an ex-pupil of Trent College, in Long Eaton, and flew Welllingtons and Halifaxes during the conflict.

They had been on display in a wooden, wall-mounted case in the museum at the college when they were taken sometime between Monday, February 19, and Thursday, February 22, and included the coveted Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The family of Mr Carver have been left devastated by the theft and are calling on anyone with information to contact the police.

Melanie Harris, Mr Carver’s daughter, said: “My father was such a lovely man and the family are very proud of his war time efforts, particularly as he was so young at that time.

Thieves have stolen the precious medals of belonging to an RAF bomber pilot (Image: Derbyshire Police)

“He wanted the medals to be displayed at the school to help in teaching the pupils about the sacrifices that were made during war time.

“It is so sad that they have been stolen and we appeal for anyone who knows of their whereabouts to make contact with PC Gallear.”

Mr Carver was a pupil at Trent College from 1936 to 1938.

During the Second World War he served as a bomber pilot in Wellingtons in No.37 Squadron and then moved on to Halifaxs in No. 78 Squadron, flying a total of 58 operations over enemy territory.

Mr Carver's medals had been on loan to the school since 2009 from Mr Carver’s family, after his death in January 2008, at the age of 86.

The medals taken included The Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the 1939 to 1945 Star, The Air Crew Europe Star, The Africa Star, The 1939 to 45 medal, The Defence Medal and the Malta 50th Anniversary Medal (1942-1992).

The DSO, which is second in rank only to the Victoria Cross, was awarded to the then Flight Lieutenant Gerald de Lucie Carver after the aircraft he was flying became badly damaged. Despite this though, he continued with the mission.

Reports at the time recognised his heroism.

The London Gazette, published on Friday, December 10, 1943, read: “This officer has displayed great courage and devotion to duty and his achievements have won great praise."

Mr Carver was recognised for his bravery in the London Gazette (Image: Derbyshire Police)

Mr Carver was also mentioned in dispatches for further acts of bravery during his tour of operations.

During the Second World War, RAF aircrew were expected to complete 30 missions within one tour of operations.

Mr Carver was only two missions short of completing his second tour.

Officers from Derbyshire police are investigating the incident and are calling on people with information to come forward.

PC Helen Gallear from the Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The theft was reported to us nearly two months after the medals had been found missing.

“We are now appealing for anyone who may recognise the medals from being on sale somewhere or having been offered them for sale in unusual circumstances.”